Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag | 2021

No one panic, but we’re almost half way through they year? What happened to the past three months? This is the third year that I’ve done this tag, and I alway enjoy looking back at my answers and reflecting on what I’ve read so far this year.

My Goodreads goal for 2021 was to read 52 books, and so far I’m on track as well as being quietly confident that it’s definitely a goal I can achieve! I’ve already read so many amazing books this year and discovered lots of new go-to authors who I’ve fallen head over heels for as well as enjoying some old favourites!

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Best Book You Have Read So Far in 2021?

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas. Once again, Sarah has crafted an emotionally intense and beautifully perfect masterpiece that has gifted me with a reading experience like no other. These characters mean the world to me, so being able to join them again on another adventure was the ideal escape and one I wished would never end. It was the perfect ending – and new beginning – to Nesta and Cassian’s relationship and a journey that will stay with me forever. I finished the entire book in 24-hours, and I’m honestly considering re-reading it again soon because I loved every page so much.

Best Sequel You Have Read in 2021?

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare or Gemina by Amie Kaufman. For years, I’ve promised my sister that one day I’ll read The Clockwork series, and this month I finally did! I now understand why she loves it SO MUCH! I’m fully obsessed with this series and I’ve once again fallen down that Shadowhunter rabbit hole!

This year I also fell head over heels for The Illuminae Files, these books are SO good! Hannah and Nik are some of my new favourite characters and I just wish that I’d read this series sooner! Thank you to everyone who recommended this series, I loved it.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To?

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout. I swear I’m the only person in the world who hasn’t read this book yet, and I’ve got MAJOR FOMO! It’s always on my monthly TBR but it’s a beast of a book and I’m a little intimidated!

Most Anticipated Release For Second Half of 2020?

Guess who just received an eARC for Once Upon a Broken Heart? This gal! I’m beyond excited to dive into back into the wonderful world Stephanie Garber has created and for opportunity to get to know Jacks a little better! I’m also really looking forward to finally reading Auroras End by Amie Kaufman, I have lots of questions that need answering especially after THAT ENDING!

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Biggest Disappointment?

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson or Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard. These books are by no means bad, it’s just my own fault for setting high expectations leaving me a little disappointed and broken hearted.

The world building in Realm Breaker was so intense that I felt that sometimes it overshadowed the characters and the storyline, I ended up getting so caught up with place names and all the different kingdoms that I wasn’t able to connect enough with everything going on. Nevertheless, I am in love with this band of characters and I’m utterly obsessed with Erida, she is such a complex and unique character and I’m curious to see where the story takes her.

As for Sorcery of Thorns, I loved the whole world Rogerson has created, everything about Grimoires in ancient libraries, sorcerers and demons was so unique and I wish that this was a series rather than a stand-alone as I’d love to explore more of this unique universe. I really like Elisabeth and Nathaniel (and Silas of course), but I wanted more character interaction as I felt like some things were rushed.

Biggest Surprise?

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin. I received this eARC all the way back in February and I haven’t stopped raving about it! What makes this book special is the magic system and way in which Griffin communicates through seasonal magic. Her descriptions and the way in which magic connects with these characters is intricately detailed and adds an additional layer of wonder to an already captivating story. There’s something beautifully enchanting and equally destructive about this book and its characters, a balance that results in a powerful narrative that will keep readers hooked.

Favourite New Author?

Christina Lauren! I’m a hopeless romantic and I’m just starting to get back into reading fun romance novels, so Christina Lauren’s books were perfect! This summer I’m going romance mad and any recommendations would be wonderful!

Newest Fictional Crush?

I finally understand the hype for Will Herondale! That man can come and sweep me off my feet and read me poetry any day! Also please can we take a moment to appreciate Ben Barnes as The Darkling! Hot DAMN!

Newest Favourite Character? 

Fable! I absolutely loved Fable as a character, especially her courage and strength. No matter how many times she was knocked down, she got back up again. 

I was really craving a good-old-fashioned pirate adventure and Fable gave me just that and more. This fast-paced, swashbuckling tale filled with unexpected twists was such a wonderful read and I need to get my hands on the next book ASAP!

Book That Made You Cry?

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas. This book left me with the worst book hangover I’ve ever experienced, I’m not kidding this book broke me and I’m still feeling its effects four months later. My problem is that I get too emotionally attached and invested with these characters and the worlds in which they exist, so when I finish that final page, I can’t help but feel lost and empty. I become apart of the story as it’s an easy and comforting escape from reality.

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Book That Made You Happy?

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren! I’m a sucker for Christina Lauren, her books never fail to make me smile and are all just super adorable! The Unhoneymooners didn’t disappoint, this enemies-to-lovers fake dating romantic whirlwind was a joy to read and there’s just something about their writing that makes me fall head over heels! If you’re looking for a light-hearted easy read this summer then be sure to add some of Christina Lauren’s books to your TBR!

Favourite Book To Movie Adaption You Saw This Year? 

Shadow and Bone! I have watched this series FIVE TIMES and I’m still in love with it (and Ben Barnes!) This show has definitely become one of my comfort shows and every time I love it, I fall more and more in love with it and it’s incredible cast! Also if Leigh or Netflix want to cast me in the show then please don’t hesitate and give me a call, I’ll be waiting!

Favourite Post You Have Written This Year?

I discuss this more in my next post, but this year I’ve rediscovered my love and passion for blogging and see it more as a creative outlet rather than a ‘job’. Like many other bloggers, I put so much time, effort and thought into the content I create and some of my most rewarding posts have been those I’ve spent weeks on. Every view, every like, every comment and every follow fills me with so much pride and it’s been so heartwarming to see people enjoying my posts. I’ve got so many more creative post ideas tucked away and I’m excited to see what the rest of the year has in store!

Don’t mind me and my shameless self-promo, but some of my favourite posts this year include my Star Sign Book Recommendations, Greek Mythology and Fairytales that need adaptations and finally my on-going favourites series where I celebrate some of my favourite posts of the month!

Most Beautiful Book You Have Bought So Far This Year?

Ariadne by Jenifer Saint. I will openly admit that I’ve a) taken way too many pictures of this book and b) that I spent a usual amount of time gazing lovingly at this cover as it sits proudly at the centre of my bookcase!

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year?

Jade City, The Hating Game, The City of Brass, and Serpent and Dove!

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I’m really curious to read other peoples answers to this tag, so I’ve gone a bit mad with my tags!

Maria @The Character Study

Naemi @A Book Owl’s Corner

Sofii @A Book. A Thought

Chelsea @Your Bookish Friend

Stephen @Stephen Writes

Rosina @Lace and Dagger Books

Zoe @Reading By The Moonlight

Jessica @The Awkward Book Blogger

Ally @Ally Writes Things

Georgia @Lost in Neverland

And YOU!

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